Capitals Daily Report: What a Week! What a Year! (So Far)

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The Capitals held an optional skate Saturday morning, on the heels of their decisive 6-0 win over the Blackhawks on Friday night. The Caps are back at Verizon Center on Sunday when they host the Philadelphia Flyers. Puck drop has been changed to 1:00PM. 

OPTIONAL SKATE:
As mentioned, Saturday morning’s practice was optional, but was well attended. The only players who did not participate were Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, TJ Oshie, John Carlson, Justin Williams and Marcus Johansson.

With the Capitals having to play a back-to-back set on Sunday and Monday, look for Philipp Grubauer to get the start on Sunday against the Flyers, and Braden Holtby to get the start in Pittsburgh against the Penguins on Monday. Look for Taylor Chorney to get a game as well.

Photos from today’s practice can be seen here.

Barry Trotz after practice:

NEWS AND NOTES:
The Capitals will hold a pre-game ceremony Sunday against Philadelphia to honor Nicklas Backstrom for becoming the first player in franchise history to record 500 assists. During the ceremony, Backstrom will receive a special gift from the organization.

SHAVINGS:

  • The Capitals have now won 8 straight games. Washington has outscored its opponents 35-11 during the winning streak and has allowed two goals or fewer in seven of the eight games.
  • Since Dec. 31, the Capitals lead the NHL in wins (8), points (16), goals (35) and goal differential (+24).
  • Washington has not allowed an even-strength goal since Jan. 3 against Toronto, a span of 309:14. In their last 19 games, the Capitals have posted a 15-2-2 record (12/5-1/13).
  • Since getting pulled after one period against Toronto, Braden Holtby has gone 5-0-0 with a .60 GAA and a .978 save percentage.

DAILY CAPS LINKS:
POSTGAME NOTEBOOK: Caps 6, Hawks 0 (Mike Vogel)
Caps Bum Rush Hawks with Six-Pack Attack (Mike Vogel)

CAPITALS DAILY QUOTE:

SCENES FROM KETTLER

CAPITALS IN THE COMMUNITY
Courage Caps, Washington Capitals team-issued branded hats and T-shirts, are now available. 100% of proceeds benefit Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), a nonprofit dedicated to the families of the fallen. Hats and T-shirts both cost $20 and will be available atWashCaps.com/Courage, team stores and at stands throughout Verizon Center during home games. For more information, click here.

By Jon Sorensen

About Jon Sorensen

Jon has been a Caps fan since day one, attending his first game at the Capital Centre in 1974. His interest in the Caps has grown over the decades and included time as a season ticket holder. He has been a journalist covering the team for 10+ years, primarily focusing on analysis, analytics and prospect development.
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